Late April to early May is usually the time to start thinking about the college football season. We’re a little early to start a player analysis, but it’s time for a deep dive into the schedule. We’re looking especially at the out-of-conference here. We‘ll also be looking at the in-ACC conference games shortly after.
Games 1 – 5 | Games 11 – 15 |
6) Louisville vs Ole Miss – September 6, 2026
Louisville gets an Ole Miss team coming off a semi-final run in the college football playoffs. Lane Kiffin is going, but this is a strong opener for Louisville. If the Cards can win, it could be the kind of early-season win jump starts a season. Louisville has proven time and time again that they can play with anyone. This is another statement game for the Cardinals.
7) SMU vs Notre Dame – November 21, 2026
SMU has quickly become one of the better football programs in the ACC. Rhett Lashlee can coach with anyone in the country, and Kevin Jennings is back at QB. A game with what should be a very good Notre Dame team will have college football fans’ attention everywhere. If the game were at SMU, I’d be tempted to call an upset. Still, this is a major opportunity for SMU.
8) California vs UCLA – September 5, 2026
I love this game between Cal and UCLA. This rivalry was a casualty of more expansion, but credit both schools for bringing it back the next 4 years. Emerging Cal QB star Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele is back for the Bears, and this could be his national coming-out party against a Big 10 opponent. This is one of the more underrated OOC games for an ACC team this year. Mark this one down.
9 ) Florida State vs Florida – November 27, 2026
Florida State and Florida will always be a big game, but last year featured two bad teams. The year before was slightly better. For this rivalry to be all it can be nationally, they need to be better. That said, it’s one of, if not the most heated OOC rivalries for an ACC team. This game is on Black Friday which is typically a huge ratings day. Mike Norvell may want to avoid his 3rd striaght loss to the Gators.
10) NC State vs Vanderbilt – September 19, 2026
NC State has always been consistently decent under Dane Doeren. They are never great, but rarely awful. They just can’t get over the hump to take that next step to be a true ACC contender or a 10-win type season. What always seems to be lacking is a quality OOC win. Vanderbilt has established as a credible SEC team. Even without Diego Pavia, this would be a big early season if the Wolfpack can get it.
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